Dry Brushing

In recent weeks, I have become an avid dry brusher. After reading about the health trend on different blogs and listening to my favorite YouTubers talk about their obsessions, I finally gave it a try. Dry brushing is a technique that can remove dead skin cells, stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve the digestion system. It has now become a part of my daily routine because of the list of benefits it has but also because of the way it makes my skin feel.

Dry brushes can be purchased at any local health food store or on Amazon for a reasonable price. They range anywhere from $7 to $65. One that is fairly stiff is the best for this technique. Personally, I brush in the morning to wake my body up and get the blood flowing. Any time of day is fine to brush but most experts say morning is best. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes so it can easily be added into a morning routine.

The dry brush I currently use. Taken by: Sophia DeVit

It is a simple process that only takes a few steps. I like to get undressed so I am able to get all parts of the body. Begin to brush at the feet, using long strokes and brushing towards the heart. Brushing in this upward motion is good because that is the way the lymph flows naturally. Continue this over the entire body. Each area should be brushed and overlapped three to five times. It will be uncomfortable at first because the brush will be stiff. After each session, the pain will ease up and become almost therapeutic, at least in my opinion. The skin will plump up and turn pink but this is a good thing because that means the brush is doing its job. If it ever begins to sting or become painful, use less pressure. Some people like to take a hot shower following or drink a hot glass of lemon water to jumpstart the digestive system and promote blood circulation. After dry brushing, apply a lotion or natural oil to the skin to keep it hydrated.

The process of dry brushing

Gif provided by Sophia DeVito

Benefit #1: Stimulating the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system. It is a network of tissues and organs that help the body get rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, is the place where one third of the body’s toxins surface to. By dry brushing, it is eliminating the toxins that are trapped in the skin. The stiffer the brush bristles the better the lymphatic drainage.

Benefit #2: Helps reduce cellulite and increase circulation

While this doesn’t apply to everyone, some people are insecure about the cellulite on their body. According to beauty blogger Olivia Jenkins, dry brushing is a natural way to reduce it. Cellulite is toxic materials that become trapped and accumulate in the body’s fat cells. Dry brushing breaks breaks down the materials within the body and helps eliminate them through their natural channels. Brushing increases the body’s circulation and encourages metabolic waste.

Benefit #3: Exfoliating dead skin

As the weather begins to transition to spring, skin experiences some changes as well. It becomes dry and cracked, which is something that can be extremely uncomfortable. Dry brushing flakes away the dead skin cells left on the surface to ensure beautiful, silky skin. It is one of the simplest and most natural ways to exfoliate skin.

Benefit #4: Unclogs pores

This is an added benefit to exfoliating the skin. Dry brushing clears oil, dirt and unwanted residue from the pores. It will also help the skin absorb more nutrients. Daily brushing can promote healthy skin. The larger organs in the body will love this.

Dry brushing works differently on every different skin type. Some of the benefits might happen within 30 days and others might not happen at all. It is important to do research on the topic and find what works best for each individual person. Personally, dry brushing has made a dramatic change in the texture of my skin and the way my body feels. Give it a try and brush away!